Ithaca College

“The faculty of voluntarily bringing back a wandering attention, over and over again, is the very root of judgement, character and will. An education which should improve this faculty would be the education par excellence.”                 -William James (1890/1950)

Educators across disciplines speak to the transformative potential of contemplative classroom practices. Bach and Alexander (2015) describe how their literature students have a greater openness to reading and writing, and an interest in learning from one another after practicing reflective writing, meditation and deep listening exercises. Sable (2014) proposes that contemplative classroom practices cultivate critical thinking and the ability to meet opposing points of view with interest, connection and empathy. These habits of mind, attention, and learning in turn, cultivate the compassion, connection and perspective-taking needed for insights into social and environmental justice. 

In a recent survey of IC faculty, we heard from over 80 faculty members who are employing meditative and other reflective practices to enhance learning, critical thinking and affective well-being in students. Many more are interested in learning about contemplative practices in the classroom.   

Let’s come together and share what we are learning about the use of contemplative practices in our classrooms. Please join us for an informal round table exchange of practices, ideas and questions about the use of contemplative pedagogy in our classes. Facilitating the discussion will be Kathryn Caldwell from Psychology, Mary Ann Erickson from Gerontology, and Julia Lapp from Nutrition.

This second Contemplative Café will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 12:10-1pm, in the Center for Faculty Excellence, 316 Gannett Center. 

Individuals requiring accommodations should contact Kathryn Caldwell at kcaldwell@ithaca.edu or (607) 274-1371.  We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.